Ireland Cancels Afghanistan Series Due to Budget Constraints
Cricket Ireland has canceled its 2025 multi-format series against Afghanistan, citing financial issues. The series included a Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is under the Future Tours Programme. CEO Warren Deutrom clarified the decision was economic, not political, despite Australia and England boycotting Afghanistan over human rights concerns. Afghanistan now faces an uncertain international schedule.
In the latest development, Cricket Ireland has canceled its planned multi-format series against Afghanistan in 2025 due to financial constraints. The series, which included one Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is, was initially part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP). However, Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom clarified that the decision was purely financial and not politically motivated, unlike Australia and England, who previously refused to play Afghanistan due to human rights concerns under Taliban rule.
Since gaining Full Member status in 2017, Ireland has struggled to host Test matches, playing only two of their ten scheduled Tests at home. Infrastructure challenges and financial issues have forced them to hold “home” series in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Ireland is prioritizing its international fixtures, including a historic T20I series against England and the Women’s tour of Zimbabwe.
With this cancellation, Afghanistan currently has no scheduled international series. The team recently had a disappointing exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 despite showing resilience in the group stage. Their hopes of securing a maiden ICC title remain unfulfilled.
Off the field, Ireland continues preparations for a new stadium in Dublin and co-hosting the 2030 T20 World Cup alongside England and Scotland.
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